Press Releases

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Michael Pollan will be in Chicago on Monday, May 18, to discuss and sign copies of his new book, "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto." The lecture will take place at 6 pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Lower Level, at The Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street. There's no fee.

Food. There's plenty of it around, and we all love to eat it. So why should anyone need to defend it? Here's what Michael says on the books website.

Because most of what we're consuming today is not food, and how we're consuming it -- in the car, in front of the TV, and increasingly alone -- is not really eating. Instead of food, we're consuming "edible food like substances" -- no longer the products of nature but of food science. Many of them come packaged with health claims that should be our first clue they are anything but healthy. In the so-called Western diet, food has been replaced by nutrients, and common sense by confusion. The result is what Michael Pollan calls the American paradox: The more we worry about nutrition, the less healthy we seem to become.

But if real food -- the sort of food our great grandmothers would recognize as food -- stands in need of defense, from whom does it need defending? From the food industry on one side and nutritional science on the other. Both stand to gain much from widespread confusion about what to eat, a question that for most of human history people have been able to answer without expert help. Yet the professionalization of eating has failed to make Americans healthier. Thirty years of official nutritional advice has only made us sicker and fatter while ruining countless numbers of meals.

Pollan proposes a new (and very old) answer to the question of what we should eat that comes down to seven simple but liberating words: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. By urging us to once again eat food, he challenges the prevailing nutrient-by-nutrient approach -- what he calls nutritionism -- and proposes an alternative way of eating that is informed by the traditions and ecology of real, well-grown, unprocessed food. Our personal health, he argues, cannot be divorced from the health of the food chains of which we are part.

In Defense of Food shows us how, despite the daunting dietary landscape Americans confront in the modern supermarket, we can escape the Western diet and, by doing so, most of the chronic diseases that diet causes. We can relearn which foods are healthy, develop simple ways to moderate our appetites, and return eating to its proper context -- out of the car and back to the table. Michael Pollan's bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating.

Pollan's last book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, launched a national conversation about the American way of eating; now In Defense of Food shows us how to change it, one meal at a time.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Trying to make weekend plans on a slim wallet? Head to Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) which offers a three-course prix-fixe weekend special in addition to the restaurant's regular menu April 24, 25 and 26.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

We at Kurman Communications take great pride every time we see a client achieve success. Just one week ago, we sent a press release about the urgent financial need of Streetwise, a 16-year old nonprofit that publishes StreetWise magazine that is sold on the street by homeless and near homeless individuals. We hosted a press conference, in which the StreetWise board told the public it needed at least $75,000 over the next few weeks to keep its doors open.

It is with great pleasure that we learned at a second press conference held yesterday morning, that StreetWise has received more than $200,000 in donations in just seven days. In addition to large sum donors from Chicago area residents Brook and Wood Baxter, Kay and Jim Mabie, Greg Zeman and Michael Clune, StreetWise received more than 200 small denomination payments through PayPal.

Several StreetWise vendors spoke eloquently at the press conference of their gratitude to StreetWise and the difficult time they would have had if StreetWise did not receive the financial support that game so generously from the people of Chicago.

Kurman has a long-standing relationship with StreetWise, and helped the publication re-launch from a newspaper to a magazine last fall. Kurman's very own Lee Barrie is also a board member on StreetWise and was instrumental in the success with the press that helped lead to the $200k in donations this week. We are very proud to be a part of the StreetWise family, and happy that so many other Chicagoans have opened their hearts and wallets for this cause.

To learn more information or to make a contribution, please contact Bruce Crane at (312) 829-2526. Donations can also be made online at www.streetwise.org. StreetWise is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.

Daniel Ovanin, executive chef of Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), was featured on CBS 2's weekend morning news Saturday, April 18. He spoke with anchor Mike Puccinelli about what it's like to be a green restaurant and use locally-sourced products, and he also demonstrated how to make Glen Prairie's Spiced Grilled Missouri Catfish, one of the new dishes off the restaurant's newly launched spring menu.

Mike and Daniel also showed off three of Glen Prairie's other unique dishes-- Glen Prairie's Signature Meatloaf, Baby Wedge Salad and Grilled Dakota Farmed Bison Ribeye. Don't forget to celebrate Earth Day at Glen Prairie. The management and staff at Glen Prairie are committed to demonstrating sustainable living through energy and resource conservation, so on April 22, the restaurant will turn off or dim any non-essential lighting, set the cooling system temperature in publica areas at 72 degrees and make additional efforts wherever possible with staff to create awareness of sustainability.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Mother’s Day Brunch BuffetBirch River Grill offers its signature Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10. At just $29.95 per person and $13.95 for children under 12, this brunch offers several different stations. Stop by the Seafood Station, to enjoy oysters and cocktail shrimp. Then move on to the Salad Station, where the Chopped Salad, Caesar Salad and Farfalle Pasta salad await. The Continental Station includes assorted fresh breads, muffins, croissants, bagels, and fresh fruit; Egg & Omelet Station offers eggs and omelets made to order, sausage, bacon, potatoes O’Brien, pancakes and French toast; Carving Station has turkey with cranberry sauce and beef tenderloin with red wine demi glaze; and Hot Buffet Station includes broiled tilapia provencal and lemon chicken oreganato. Then, choose from a variety of vegetables, pastas and desserts.

Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill – An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit them on the web at www.birchrivergrill.com.

Mother’s Day BrunchEnjoy Mother’s Day brunch at the West Loop’s retro-chic Dine, 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Enjoy the Seafood, Soup & Salad Station, featuring an array of salads, an antipasto display with sliced rustic breads, sweet corn and seafood bisque and a ceviche bar. Meat lovers will enjoy the Carving Station, with roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce and caramelized onions, silver dollar rolls and roasted garlic and creamed spinach. The Entrée Station features many items, including crusted salmon with a shallot butter sauce, Portobello pasta caprese, roasted chicken breast and Dine’s signature meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. Wake up with Dine’s Breakfast Station, featuring made to order omelets, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, pastries and brioche French toast. Finally, indulge in the pastries, sweets and red velvet cupcakes from the Dessert Table.

On Mother’s Day, every mother receives a complimentary rose. Dine’s brunch is $39 per person, $15 for children 12 and under and no cost for children under five. The restaurant opens for regular dinner at 5 p.m.

Dine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Martini Bar and Lounge is open for dining and drinks until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Dining is available at the bar. Valet parking is complimentary. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Dine at (312) 602-2100 or visit www.dinerestaurant.com.

Congratulations to Glen Prairie, just named as one of the 2009 “Best New Restaurants” by Chicago Magazine. The publication commends Glen Prairie’s green-minded artisanal foods, talented chef and friendly staff.Mother’s Day BrunchGlen Prairie celebrates Mother’s Day with its special Mother’s Day Brunch, offered Sunday, May 10. This extensive buffet includes a Salad Station, with grilled vegetable salad, prairie salad and spinach and berry salad. From the Bakery Station, enjoy assorted house baked breakfast pastries, breads, muffins and artisan rolls. Try Omelets Made to Order, a Farm Fresh Buffet and Chef’s Station. Children will enjoy the Kid’s Corner, with pancakes, Amish chicken nuggets, mac ‘n cheese, French bread pizza and fruit cups. Reservations are required for this Mother’s Day feast, which is $27 for adults, $12 for children ages five through 12 and children four and under are complimentary.

Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink is located at 1250 Roosevelt Rd. in Glen Ellyn, Ill. in Chicago’s western suburbs. Glen Prairie is open 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com.

Mother’s Day BrunchMothers and grandmothers receive a complimentary glass of Champagne during Karma’s Mother’s Day celebration, offered 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10. The brunch buffet features different stations, including the Salad Station; Seafood Station, with citrus poached King Salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp and Creole Bay Seafood salad; Made to Order Omelet Station; Breakfast Station, including ginger French toast, cheese blintzes with fruit compote, pepper cured bacon, country sausage links and breakfast potatoes; Savory Station, with roasted chipotle chicken, Asian BBQ salmon with sautéed vegetables, Dijon mustard and rosemary pork loin over pesto risotto; Carving Station, with herb and garlic crusted prime rib and honey baked ham; and Desserts, including assorted mini French pastries and bakery fresh tortes and pies. Mother’s Day brunch at Karma is $26.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids 12 and under and no cost for children under five.

Karma also celebrates National Sake Month (April) by offering the Hakutsuru Junmai sake, normally $11, on special for only $7 throughout the month of April.

Reservations are recommended. Karma is open seven days a week 6:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dinner, and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner. The lounge is open 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 p.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. For reservations or more information, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com.

Mother’s Day BrunchCelebrate Mother’s Day brunch in the family-friendly setting of Maxwell’s at the Club, the recently renovated, open-to-the-public restaurant located in Chicago’s East Bank Club. Browse the brunch buffet 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. The first station includes Shrimp Cocktail; Chilled Poached and Roasted Salmon; Lox with cream cheese; Toasted Bagels; Seasonal Fresh Fruit; and much more.

At the second station, try a variety of salads, including Mesclun Greens, Lemon Scented Quinoa Salad, Kamut Salad, with wild rice and cranberry salad; Roasted Potato Salad; Asian Shrimp and Edamame Salad; and more. The carving station includes Roast Prime Rib of Beef, with au jus and horseradish sauce, and Roast Rack of Lamb, with mint jelly and mint-Dijon sauce.

The final station features breakfast items, including Applewood Smoked Bacon and Sausage; Breakfast Potatoes; Eggs Benedict; French Toasted Cinnamon Brioche with bananas; Santa Fe Chicken and Tortilla Casserole; Waffle and Omelet bar; and more. Enjoy assorted breakfast pastries and desserts. The Mother’s Day brunch menu at Maxwell’s is $45 per person, and $15 for children under 10.Mother’s Day DinnerMaxwell’s also hosts a special Mother’s Day dinner buffet, offered 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10. The first station includes Shrimp Cocktail; Chilled Poached and Roasted Salmon; Lox with cream cheese; Toasted Bagels; Seasonal Fresh Fruit; and much more. At the second station, try a variety of salads, including Mesclun Greens; Lemon Scented Quinoa Salad; Kamut Salad; Roasted Potato Salad; Asian Shrimp and Edamame Salad; and more. At the carving station, try Roast Prime Rib of Beef, with au jus and horseradish sauce, and Roast Rack of Lamb, with mint jelly and mint-Dijon sauce.

Maxwell’s at the Club is located in Chicago’s East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., 312-527-5800, Ext. 301). Maxwell’s is open weekdays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. for dinner. The bar and lounge is open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sunday brunch is served every week, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations for special holiday menus and events are strongly recommended. For more information visit online at www.eastbankclub.com.

Mother’s Day Brunch and DinnerJoin Restaurant Michael for the restaurant’s special Mother’s Day brunch, offered Sunday, May 10 from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Brunch is $39 per person, $19 per child 12 and under and complimentary for children three and under. Also on Mother’s Day, join Restaurant Michael for a special dinner, 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. The dinner is $49 per person, $25 for children twelve and under, and no cost for children three and under. Prices listed above do not include tax and gratuity, and reservations are required.

Restaurant Michael is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Restaurant Michael is available for private functions on and off site. Call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com for more information.

Mother’s Day CelebrationCelebrate a family-friendly Mother’s Day at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s Westmont location, 10 a.m. until 10.m., open one hour earlier from its regular time. Enjoy favorites from the restaurant’s regular menu, including Hazelnut Crusted Ecuadorian Tilapia Fillet, topped with shrimp and garden ripe tomatoes in a light white wine sauce with fresh green beans ($19.95); New Orleans Jazz Scallops, tender jumbo sea scallops with fresh ginger butter, served with fresh green beans and spaghetti squash ($19.95); and Blackened Catfish Opelousas, with oysters, shrimp and crabmeat in a lemon garlic butter sauce with dirty rice ($22.95). Sample a variety of seafood flavors with the Pappadeaux Platter, fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried Mississippi catfish fillet, fried crawfish, stuffed shrimp and stuffed crab on a bed of seasoned French fries ($26.95). Children can enjoy the balloon artist and clown, while the whole family can dine to the jazz tunes of Dixieland Express, playing all day Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day CelebrationAt Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s Arlington Heights location, celebrate Mother’s Day with the $19.95 per person, all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, offered 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the regular menu also available. Following brunch, join Pappadeaux for dinner 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Enjoy different stations, including a Carving Station, with ham, prime rib and lamb, as well as the Made to Order Station, with omelets, pancakes and waffles. Dine to the sounds of jazz pianist Timothy Hardin, while children’s fun includes a balloon artist.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Both the Westmont and Arlington Heights locations offer private function space and events. For more information, call the Westmont location at (630) 455-9846, or call the Arlington Heights location at (847) 228-9551. Visit online at www.pappadeaux.com.

Mother’s Day BrunchJoin the popular north shore eatery, Tramonto’s Steak and Seafood, on Sunday, May 10 for the restaurant’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet, offered from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the space adjacent to the restaurant. As a special treat, each mother receives a complimentary $25 gift certificate to Tramonto’s Steak and Seafood.

At the Mother’s Day brunch, enjoy a variety of hot breakfast fare, including sausage, bacon, breakfast pastries and pancakes. Get made to order omelets at the Omelet Station, and for the lighter side, enjoy assorted salads, pastas, chicken, fish and shrimp cocktail. Savor roast beef with horseradish cream, and turkey breast with turkey giblet gravy at the Carving Station. Indulge in the treats at the Dessert Station, and sip complimentary cocktails at the Mimosa Bar and the Bloody Mary Bar.

The Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Tramonto’s Steak and Seafood is $39.95 per person and $13.95 for children 12 and under. Enjoy Tramonto’s regular breakfast buffet, offered from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. After brunch, stay for the restaurant’s regular dinner menu, offered from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Mother’s Day with Buy A Mom A Mammogram™Don’t forget to celebrate Mother’s Day with ASLF. One donation can purchase a breast cancer screening mammogram for a woman through ASLF’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram™ program. Buy A Mom A Mammogram™ funds no cost screening mammograms and follow up diagnostic testing when indicated to uninsured and underinsured individuals in a timely, dignified and respectful fashion. ASLF has provided 3,000 individuals with information about and access to no cost mammograms. To donate, call ASLF at (312) 345-1322 or visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

Find dining deals this weekend at one of Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants, Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250). Chef Daniel Ovanin offers two special dishes in addition to the local food-focused resto's regular menu April 17, 18 and 19.

Wine pairing specials are also available all weekend long. For reservations and more information, call (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/.

Don't forget to celebrate Earth Day at Glen Prairie. The management and staff at Glen Prairie are committed to demonstrating sustainable living through energy and resource conservation. That's why on Earth Day (April 22), the restaurant will turn off or dim any non-essential lighting, set the cooling system temperature in publica areas at 72 degrees and make additional efforts wherever possible with staff to create awareness of sustainability.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Looking for tax day relief? Search no further than Chicago's River North neighborhood for extensive deals and steals. Recently, 14 participating businesses started distributing special "We Mean Business in River North" buttons in conjunction with the River North Business Association (RNBA) (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 312-645-1047), which will provide customers with discounts at area businesses on designated RNBA Days throughout the year, the first of which is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15.

There is no cost for the button, but customers wearing them will have many benefits including discounts at participating RNBA member restaurants and retail stores, as well as business services including accounting, legal, public relations, graphic design, advertising and other service oriented business that call River North home.

Customers taking advantage of the discount program need not be a member of the RNBA. Those businesses that choose to participate in the button program, will display a poster in their store window or office to their customers. The buttons will continue to be used for various discounts and promotions by RNBA members throughout the year.

"We've introduced the 'We Mean Business in River North' button program as a way to help promote the new name of the River North Business Association, as well as a new approach to bring in potential customers and clients to our members," says RNBA Executive Director, Sharon Romack. RNBA, formerly the River North Association, underwent a name change last month.Businesses Participating in "We Mean Business in River North" Button Program April 15.

Several RNBA member businesses are participating in the first RNBA Day Wednessday, April 15. Guests and customers who visit businesses on that day wearing the "We Mean Business in River North" button, will get the following discounts and benefits:

The Anti-Cruelty Society (157 W. Grand Ave.; 312-644-8338) allows customers to come and receive a free gift if they come in furnishing a button.

The Redhead Piano Bar (16 W. Ontario St.; 312-640-1000) is giving customers 20% off their total bill when they come in wearing a button.

State Street Bread Co. (30 E. Hubbard St.; 312-595-0766) is giving 20% off all food purchases. However, if a customer has already received the discount, they will get a special gift instead.

Thrive Integrative Medical Spa (875 N. Dearborn, 3rd Floor; 312-932-9500) is giving customers various discounts on services. The perks include $50 off BOTOX and fillers; a $55 Introductory Microdermabrasion; $199 off a full face Photofacia; and receive a complimentary underarm treatment with the purchase a bikini laser hair removal.

About River North Business Association:The River North Association was founded in 1981 and quickly became a force in the community, representing businesses and providing member services to help them succeed. The organization recently changed its name to the River North Business Association, but maintains the mission and ideals of which it was founded. The RNBA hopes to preserve a community environment that will provide a high quality of life for all who live, work and visit River North. For more informationon the participating businesses and their discount offers, visit http://www.rivernorthassociation/ or call (312) 645-1047.

We at Kurman Communications, Inc. are proud to announce the May 2009 issue of Chicago Magazine named Glen Prairie as one of Chicago's "2009 Best New Restaurants." The magazine named 22 best new restaurants, putting the organic, locally-focused Glen Prairie alongside top names like C-House, Graham Elliot, and L20.

In case you haven't picked up a copy yet, here's what the mag had to say:

"... From the excellent local cheese to chef Daniel Ovanin's tender Indiana duck breast on white bean cassoulet with maple gastrique, GP keeps its promise. The big surprise is the terrific chervil-crusted Wisconsin northern pike--rarely seen on menus--set over sauteed green beans alongside a red crock of just about the best mac and cheese in the Midwest. A bonus: The how's-it-goin' chef and friendly staff make sure you have a good time." -Dennis Ray Wheaton

Congratulations to Glen Prairie and chef Daniel Ovanin for this honor. Be sure to catch chef Daniel in action live this Saturday, April 18 during CBS-2's 8 a.m. news broadcast, where he'll be talking about the environmentally-conscious restaurant and shopping at local farmer's markets.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Join Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) this weekend for three course dinners that save you money, and support local farmers and ranchers. This special menu is offered April 10-12 in addition to the restaurant's regular seasonal menu, and is available after 5 p.m. only.

Searching for a weekend dining deal? Look no further than pan-Asian eatery Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900), which offers a special three-course prix fixe menu April 10 through April 12, in addition to the restaurant's regular menu.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Rick Hall, head chef of Maxwell's at the Club and executive sous chef of East Bank Club, made his national debut today on WGN TV's Midday news. Chef Hall spoke with WGN anchor Robert Jordan about traditional Passover dishes, all of which are part of Maxwell's special Seder dinner tonight, April 8, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Jordan helped mix and saute ingredients for a Baked Halibut in a "Spice Trade" Tomato Sauce while Chef Hall showed off other dishes, including Zucchini Potato Pancakes, Braised Beef Brisket with fresh vegetables and traditional Passover favorite, Gefilte Fish. Guests of Maxwell's special dinner tonight will each also receive a Seder Plate and Haggadah to remember the Jews' exodus and liberation of slavery from Egypt.

Maxwell's at the Club is located at 500 N. Kingsbury St. inside Chicago's East Bank Club. The restaurant is open to the public weekdays for lunch and dinner, and Sundays for brunch. For more information abou the restaurant call (312) 527-5800, Ext. 301 or visit online at www.eastbankclub.com.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Looking for relief? After turning in taxes April 15, head to environmentally-conscious Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) for the restaurant's Tax Day Specials, offered only April 15.

Try the 1040-EZ, a juicy Dietzler Farms 1/2 lb. burger with a bottle of domestic beer for only $10.40, or choose a Tax Day App, any appetizer off the regular menu for only $4.15.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Chicago based film director Davy Greenberg has captured a major fashion milestone on camera with a new video that has going viral, big time. Greenberg, a young film director who is plugged into Chicago’s dynamic fashion and hip hop scenes, was already in the know about the forthcoming shoes and decided to film the launch as a documentary on a pop culture phenomenon and a tribute to Kanye West. “I wanted to do a video that’s relevant to today’s hip hop scene. I knew that that these new shoes would be a really big deal. Kanye West has now become the first non-athlete to have his own original design signature Nike shoes. People have been camping out for a week to be the ones to get this limited production run.”

Greenberg filmed, edited and directed the video, "Air Yeezy, Beyond the Hype", which was posted on YouTube.com on Sunday, April 5. According to Greenberg, the video has already gained 30,000 hits and this number is increasing by 1,000 hits per hour. Greenberg teamed up with local hip hop music producers Lewis Walker and Q-Beans, who produced the soundtrack.

The Kanye West shoes, gray shoes with fuchsia and orange highlights, are already a collector’s item. Only about 220 pairs, in total, were available in six Chicago stores: Niketown, House of Hoops, Succezz, Leaders 1354, Saint Alfred, Self Conscious. This is a one-time run. No additional pairs in this color will be available. A different color will be offered in May and another in June. The shoes' list price is $215, but they are already being re-sold on ebay.com for at least $1,200.
Photo caption: Davy Greenberg (left), independent film director, captures big milestone in fashion and hiphop culture with viral video

Last week, 14 participating businesses started distributing special "We Mean Business in River North" buttons in conjunction with the River North Business Association (RNBA) (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 312-645-1047), which will provide customers with discounts at area businesses on designated RNBA Days throughout the year, the first of which is Wednesday, April 15.

There is no cost for the button, but customers wearing them will have many benefits including discounts at participating RNBA member restaurants and retail stores, as well as business services including accounting, legal, public relations, graphic design, advertising and other service oriented business that call River North home.

Customers taking advantage of the discount program need not be a member of the RNBA. Those businesses that choose to participate in the button program, will display a poster in their store window or office to their customers. The buttons will continue to be used for various discounts and promotions by RNBA members throughout the year.

"We've introduced the 'We Mean Business in River North' button program as a way to help promote the new name of the River North Business Association, as well as a new approach to bring in potential customers and clients to our members," says RNBA Executive Director, Sharon Romack. RNBA, formerly the River North Association, underwent a name change last month.

Businesses Participating in "We Mean Business in River North" Button Program April 15:Several RNBA member businesses are participating in the first RNBA Day Wednessday, April 15. Guests and customers who visit businesses on that day wearing the "We Mean Business in River North" button, will get the following discounts and benefits:

The Anti-Cruelty Society (157 W. Grand Ave.; 312-644-8338) allows customers to come and receive a free gift if they come in furnishing a button.

PhysioLife Studios (712 N. Dearborn St., 3rd Floor; 312-255-8308) is giving customers $50 off any personal strength training package and/or nutrition services. Customers must schedule a free consultation and trial session on the designated button date in order to redeem the discount.The Redhead Piano Bar (16 W. Ontario St.; 312-640-1000) is giving customers 20% off their total bill when they come in wearing a button.

State Street Bread Co. (30 E. Hubbard St.; 312-595-0766) is giving 20% off all food purchases. However, if a customer has already received the discount, they will get a special gift instead.

Thrive Integrative Medical Spa (875 N. Dearborn, 3rd Floor; 312-932-9500) is giving customers various discounts on services. The perks include $50 off BOTOX and fillers; a $55 Introductory Microdermabrasion; $199 off a full face Photofacia; and receive a complimentary underarm treatment with the purchase a bikini laser hair removal.

About River North Business Association:The River North Association was founded in 1981 and quickly became a force in the community, representing businesses and providing member services to help them succeed. The organization recently changed its name to the River North Business Association, but maintains the mission and ideals of which it was founded. The RNBA hopes to preserve a community environment that will provide a high quality of life for all who live, work and visit River North. For more informationon the participating businesses and their discount offers, visit http://www.rivernorthassociation/ or call (312) 645-1047.

Kick off Spring with family and friends at A Silver Lining Foundation's Community Outreach Health Fair, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at George Washington High School (3535 E. 114th St., Chicago).

At the event, receive free health testing for the whole family, health information, food, a special children's health area, and pre-qualify for no-cost mammograms. For more information, call A Silver Lining Foundation at (312) 345-1322 or visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/.

Looking for a weekend dining deal? Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242) offers a special three course meal for just $20 per person, in addition to the restaurant's regular menu, April 3 through April 5.

Maxwell's at the Club, East Bank Club's contemporary American restaurant, is featured in today's Weekend Journal cover story of The Wall Street Journal. The story, by Katy McLaughlin and Juliet Chung, talks about the steps restaurant bars are taking to help drive business in the down economy.

Maxwell's, which re-opened after remodeling last October, has added more cocktail tables and a 52-inch plasma TV to its bar area, plus two more nights of live music (now Tuesday through Thursday). The story goes on to mention the six special martinis Maxwell's added to its bar menu, including one with lychee liquor and sake. The restaurant also occasionally sends over complimentary pizzas or shrimp cocktail to patrons in the bar area to help promote the food in the dining room.

Maxwell's at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St.; 312-527-5800, Ext. 301) is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch on Sunday. For the holidays, the restaurant is hosting a special Passover dinner Wednesday, April 8 and Easter brunch Sunday, April 12.

To learn more, tune in to the10 a.m. news on CBS 2 this Sunday, April 5 to see Head Chef, Rick Hall demonstrate special Maxwell's recipes.

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Welcome

Thank you for viewing our company blog. Kurman Communications, Inc. prides itself on being thought leaders in new technologies. Having been in the public relations business for 30 years, we can tell you first hand that technology changes faster than most of us can keep up.

We are a lifestyle consumer-oriented public relations agency based in Chicago. We specialize in media relations, marketing, events and social networking. The purpose of this blog is to provide you with news from our clients as well as information about our business at Kurman Communications.

More than 5,000 consumers and journalists use our blog as a source for information. Our database is far reaching both in the US and worldwide.

If you are a journalist covering features, lifestyle, food, restaurants, travel, hospitality and automotive, please note that we post our press releases and publish news links along the blog sidebar. We update the blog frequently, so please subscribe so that you receive all of our news as it happens. You can also follow us on Twitter @KurmanStaff and on Facebook. If you'd like us to link to your website or blog, please send us your information. Thank you.